The UK government has proposed a plan to introduce weight loss injections to help obese individuals return to work, potentially providing a significant boost to the economy. By addressing obesity through medical interventions, the government aims to reduce healthcare costs and improve overall workforce productivity.
However, NHS experts warn that current obesity treatment services are already overwhelmed by high demand, raising concerns about the system’s capacity to handle increased pressure.
How Do Weight Loss Injections Work?
Two major weight loss injections—Wegovy and Mounjaro—are currently available for medical use. These drugs function as appetite suppressants by mimicking the hormone GLP-1, which makes people feel full after eating. Mounjaro also impacts another hormone, GIP, which helps regulate metabolism. Both drugs are administered as weekly injections via pre-filled pens and can be self-administered into the upper arm, thigh, or stomach.
Success Rates of Weight Loss Injections
Clinical trials suggest that Wegovy users could lose more than 10% of their body weight within a year, especially when combined with a healthy diet, exercise, and behavioral support. Mounjaro has shown even more promising results, but comparisons between the two treatments remain difficult. Importantly, users may regain weight after stopping the treatment, underscoring the need for a long-term weight management plan.
NHS Access to Weight Loss Injections
Currently, only Wegovy is available through the NHS in England, Wales, and Scotland, with Mounjaro expected to be offered soon. Access to these weight loss injections is restricted to specialist weight management services and is reserved for adults with pre-existing weight-related health conditions, such as high blood pressure or cardiovascular disease. Patients must follow a prescribed diet and physical activity program, with the NHS limiting the use of these drugs to a maximum of two years.
Despite the government’s optimism about the potential of weight loss injections, NHS specialists are concerned that obesity treatment services are already overstretched. The introduction of these drugs to a larger segment of the population could strain the system further. Additionally, reports of Wegovy shortages have already surfaced, though the manufacturer assures a protected supply for the NHS.
Private Access and Costs of Weight Loss Injections
For those unable to access these drugs through the NHS, Wegovy and Mounjaro are available for private purchase at some supermarkets, chemists, and clinics. However, costs for these weight loss injections range between £200 and £300 per pen, depending on the dosage. Experts warn against purchasing these drugs from unregulated sources, as misuse can lead to dangerous complications.
Common side effects of weight loss injections include nausea, vomiting, bloating, constipation, and diarrhoea. More severe but rare complications include gallbladder and kidney issues, as well as depression. In extreme cases, unsupervised use of these drugs has led to life-threatening conditions like pancreatitis. This underscores the importance of using these treatments under medical supervision.
Long-Term Weight Management and Risks of Dependency
While weight loss injections can help people shed significant pounds, maintaining weight loss post-treatment can be challenging. Research shows that many individuals regain weight within a year of stopping the injections. Experts recommend incorporating long-term lifestyle changes, such as a healthier diet and regular exercise, to prevent dependency on these drugs.
A study published in October 2024 in Computers in Biology and Medicine reveals that breakfast foods for weight loss affect men and women differently. Men benefit more from carbohydrate-rich breakfasts, which provide quick energy due to their higher muscle mass, while women respond better to fat-rich meals, as their bodies burn fat efficiently, especially during rest or fasting.
This gender-specific metabolic difference underscores the need for personalized nutrition, where breakfast choices tailored to biological needs can improve weight loss outcomes, energy levels, and overall health
